Saints: Re-signing Jameis Winston might be best solution to QB problem

The best course of action for the New Orleans Saints to solve their quarterback issues this offseason is to re-sign Jameis Winston.

While the New Orleans Saints will look at other options this offseason, it is probably in their best interest to re-sign Jameis Winston to a short-term deal to remain their starting quarterback.

Winston’s second season with the Saints ended prematurely with a torn ACL, but Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports New Orleans “[appears] to be comfortable with the possibility of re-signing” him. The former No. 1 overall pick had a ton of talent coming out of Florida State, but did not get to play on a second contract with the NFC South rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tom Brady replaced him.

Once the Saints get their horrendous salary cap situation figured out, it would not be shocking for New Orleans to bring back Winston on yet another contract.

New Orleans Saints seem to be comfortable with bringing Jameis Winston back

There are so many reasons why the Saints cannot go big-game hunting for a quarterback this offseason. One, they have the worst cap situation in the league by a wide margin. Two, New Orleans only barely missed the playoffs, so their first draft pick is not in a spot to reach on a so-so quarterback prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft. And three, Dennis Allen is taking over as head coach.

Yes, the Saints could trade for a quarterback, but Allen was not a great head coach the first time around in Oakland. Though Pete Carmichael Jr. will remain the Saints offensive coordinator, he becomes a more prominent part of the team now that long-time head coach Sean Payton has retired. It is why the Saints would be wise to bring back Winston who already knows the scheme.

Ultimately, the Saints are probably not playoff-bound, and almost certainly not Super Bowl-bound in 2022. The good news is the NFC South has the chance to be absolutely terrible next year. A middling Saints team most years could win the division with Atlanta and Carolina rebuilding and Tampa Bay in a state of flux. Instead of overpaying for another quarterback, re-up with Winston.

Bringing Winston back will help the Saints stabilize after what has already been a chaotic winter.